When the Philadelphia Eagles selected wide receiver Johnny Wilson in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, some questioned if he would even make the team’s final roster. Yet, as training camp continues, Wilson is surprisingly pushing for the WR3 job in Philadelphia.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has already alluded to the fact that Philadelphia will likely use a committee at the team’s third wide receiver spot. While many viewed Parris Campbell as an obvious candidate to lead the charge at WR3, Wilson’s rise is worth analyzing.
Eagles WR Johnny Wilson Rising Up the Depth Chart
Following the 2024 NFL Draft, Wilson wasn’t even viewed as the best wide receiver in Philadelphia’s rookie class. Fifth-round pick Ainias Smith got most of the attention and was consistently listed as a potential threat to win the WR3 job for the Eagles.
However, as Smith continues to struggle with drops and injury issues, Wilson has steadily worked his way up Philadelphia’s depth chart. Some believed Wilson would make the switch to tight end in the NFL, but Sirianni and Eagles general manager Howie Roseman quickly dismissed that idea.
The Eagles will not be moving Johnny Wilson from WR to TE in the near future
"He can run the full route tree… all of his production came on outside routes… He is unusual." pic.twitter.com/WPq0F49rSz
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) April 30, 2024
Roseman and Sirianni praised Wilson for his “unique” ability, thanks to his freakish mix of size, athleticism, and route-running potential. At 6’6⅜”, Wilson would be the second tallest wide receiver in franchise history behind Hall of Famer Harold Carmichael. Therefore, it’s easy to see why Roseman and Sirianni were so excited about Wilson’s potential.
Wilson’s size at receiver isn’t just rare in Philadelphia; he breaks the mold in the NFL. According to MockDraftable, he ranks in the 99th percentile in height, wingspan, and arm length at the position. Wilson’s weight is also ranked in the 97th percentile.
The Eagles haven’t wasted much time utilizing Wilson’s size on the field. He’s received reps with Philadelphia’s first-team offense on multiple occasions, including during a red-zone situation in 11-on-11s during the team’s public practice at Lincoln Financial Field.
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It was the first opportunity for Eagles fans to see Wilson’s size on display, and he immediately drew an end-zone target from Jalen Hurts. While the pass fell incomplete, it showcased Hurts’ trust in the rising rookie.
The two worked together during the offseason, and Hurts praised the rookie WR during a recent press conference. “It’s no surprise when you prepare,” Hurts said when asked about Wilson’s early success, according to Zach Berman of PHLY. “It shows.”
What Could Wilson’s Role Be for the Eagles in 2024?
In 2023, the Eagles used a committee at WR3, which isn’t exactly uncommon during Sirianni’s tenure as head coach. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith each surpassed 1,000 total snaps last season, while Olamide Zaccheus finished third among receivers with just 472.
Quez Watkins was fourth with 303 total snaps played, Julio Jones was fifth with 232, and Britain Covey was last with 58. In 2022, Watkins remained healthy and finished third amongst Eagles receivers with 681 snaps played.
During Philadelphia’s Super Bowl run two years ago, Zach Pascal played a key role at WR3 in a rotation with Watkins. In 2022, Pascal played 338 total snaps, although 50% of them were as a run blocker.
Sirianni has mentioned Wilson’s blocking ability on multiple occasions, and it’s clear that his size would certainly help in that area. Pascal wasn’t a household name in Philadelphia, but his skill set was missed last season, as Philadelphia’s WR3 rotation failed to contribute much as blockers.
This is exactly why I could envision Wilson playing Pascal’s former role as WR3 in 2024. Yet, unlike Pascal, he offers infinitely more upside as a pass catcher.
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Not only will Wilson be an obvious target in the red zone, but he’s also already shown the versatility to line up both outside and in the slot.
Given his already budding relationship with Hurts, it seems like Wilson’s stock is certainly on the rise. He fills a role that Philadelphia was obviously missing last season, and it’s clear that the Eagles are excited about their “unusual” rookie wide receiver.